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Heavily armed men have attacked villages in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), killing at least 30 people.

According to the United Nations-sponsored Radio Okapi, the men were armed with machetes, arrows and AK-47s. In Ituri province, homes belonging to the villagers were burnt. The radio station cited local resident, saying it had counted as many as 41 people killed but news agency AFB could only confirm the death of 30 people.

"We have recorded 30 deaths. There are certainly other bodies out in the bush. A search is underway," a government official told the agency.

This is believed to be the latest in series ethnic clashes that has resulted in the death of over 100 people since December. Also 31 people were reported dead at the start of this month. 

The conflict between the Hema cattle herders and Lendu farmers has forced people to run from their homes with the number said to be around 200,000. 

BBC